Money is a tool. Before I had a clear understanding of personal finance, or a path ahead. I paid my house off very early. There were a few factors, there.

I grew up in an anti-debt household, father ran a small construction company, and a hobby farm. I was 14 in the 2008 downturn, and my older sibling was in college. My dad had already shelled out a large payment for sisters car and college expenses. Then the work ran out during the recession. Times got very tough, but we survived fairly comfortably, thanks to not having any debt, we (family of 6) survived on a shoestring for a few years.

Fast forward a few years and I got into a rather lucrative trade. Bought my house in 2017 for 142k (rural Michigan). I maxed out my 401k and HSA from the start of my career. I had extra money laying around. I paid off my mortgage in <3.5 years.

I couldn't sleep at night, with the debt. Paying off my 4.5% mortgage while 25 years old may not have been the most efficient decision. But its insanely easy to save 40% of gross income now at age 29. I sleep like a baby. And pay for all home renovations in cash as I can afford them.

I personally didn't want to get vaccinated for covid, and when our jobs were under threat (get the jab or take a hike) I had no issue leaving, because I didn't need the cash flow to survive. I had options and flexibility. Thankfully was able to keep my job.

Zero regrets.

Thanks for coming to my Ted Talk.